Pyro fluidic relay

ABSTRACT

A pyro fluidic relay device which is capable of generating thermal energy at a predetermined time. A pure supersonic fluid amplifier is initially in an inactive mode of operation whereby the supply flow is discharged to atmosphere. At the predetermined time a control pressure is used to switch the fluid amplifier to an active mode of operation causing a resonator tube in an output channel thereof to generate thermal energy. In one application, the thermal energy so generated may be applied to a primer for detonating an explosive.

ilnited States Patent Allen B. Holmes Rockville, Md. 794,981

[72] Inventor [54] PYRO FLUIDIC RELAY 8Claims,3l)rawlng' Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl l37/81.5, 102/70 [51] lnLCl Fl5cl/08, F15c4/00 [50] FieldoiSearch 102/70, 82; 137/81.5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,171,915 3/1965 Johnson 137/81.5X 3,198,431 8/1965 Gesell 137/81.5UX 3,423,026 1/1969 Carpenter..... 137/81.5X 3,490,408 1/1970 Mongeetal... 137/81.5X 3,519,009 7/1970 Rubin 137/8l.5

2,953,094 9/ 1960 Cohan 102/82 3,143,856 8/1964 Hausmanm. 137/81.5X 3,238,877 3/1966 Simmons 102/70 3,302,398 2/1967 Toplin et a1. 137/81.5X 3,327,223 6/1967 l-lalista 137/81.5X 3,330,483 7/1967 Lewis 137/81.5X 3,379,204 4/1968 Kelley et al. 137/81.5 3,396,619 8/1968 Bowles et a1 137/81.5X 3,442,124 5/1969 Warren et a1. 137/81.5X 3,451,269 6/1969 Johnson 137/81.5X 3,461,892 8/1969 Boothe et a1 60/39.28X

Primary Examiner-Samuel Scott Attorneys-Harry M. Saragovitz, Edward J. Kelly, Herbert Berl and J. D, Edgerton CONTROL 20 CIRCUIT PATENTED mm 1 1911 3578011 CONTROL IBWZO I CIRCUIT AM/ F162 1 I W F 24 men car gnoL on E RAM 34 32) I2 FLUID WARHEAD/ PRIMER F/GJ ALLEN a. HOLMES nmnnsys PYRO FLUIDIC RELAY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to relay devices, and more particularly to a pyro fluidic relay device using a pure fluid amplifier in combination with means for generating thermal energy.

In the past, relay devices for allowing a thermal energy to be provided at a given instant of time were at least partially of either a mechanical or electrical nature. For example, in one instance, a Helmholz resonator responsive to ram air was used to provide a mechanical output at a predetermined time for rotating a gear which in turn aligned a firing pin to generate the thermal energy necessary to detonate an explosive. In still another instance, an electrical supply source was used to generate a voltage which when applied to a primer at a predetermined time provided the thermal energy necessary for detonating an explosive While each of the above mechanical and electrical devices were somewhat satisfactory, it has recently become apparent of the desirability of providing fluid devices with no moving parts. Such devices are extremely reliable, having little or no chance for breakdown. In addition, fluidic devices with no moving parts are both inexpensive and easy to construct. It is clear that in certain applications, for example military use such as the ignition of a propellant, squib or similar explosives, reliability is mandatory to prevent accidental firing, which may cause injuries, and in insuring a timely ignition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one object of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved fluidic relay device.

Another object of the instant invention is the provision of a new and improved pyro fluidic relay device with no moving parts.

A further object of this invention is to provide a new and improved pyro fluidic relay device using only pure fluid elements.

Still another object of the subject invention is the provision of a new and improved pyro fluidic relay device for generating thermal energy at a predetennined time.

One other object of the instant invention is to provide a new and improved pyro fluidic relay for use in a projectile and capable of generating heat to detonate an explosive therein at a desired time.

Briefly, in accordance with this invention, the foregoing and other objects are attained by providing a pure fluid amplifier with a pure fluid responsive resonator coupled in an output channel thereof. Upon application of a control signal, the resonator will generate a thermal output therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete appreciation of the invention will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I illustrates a preferred embodiment of the basic pyro fluidic relay device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a fluid resonator used in conjunction with the pyro fluidic relay device of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagrammatic illustration of a particular application of the basic pyro fluidic relay device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical, or corresponding parts, throughout the several views, and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, wherein the basic pyro fluidic relay device according to the present invention is shown as consisting essentially of a conventional pure supersonic fluidic amplifier 10 and a pure fluid resonator tube 12 (more fully explained below in reference to FIG. 2). In operation, a supply flow will enter the input nozzle 14 of the supersonic fluid amplifier l0 and discharge through a first output channel 16 to atmosphere. This is because initially a pressure differential will be established across a first control channel 18 and a second control channel 20, which creates an attached flow along the wall of output channel 16. Under such conditions, the fluid amplifier 10 is in an inactive mode of operation. Actuation of the relay device will occur at a predetermined instant of time by the application of a control signal to the input of control channel 20. It should be understood that the control signal applied to the input of control channel 20 may be supplied by a conventional fluid control circuit 22, such for example, as a pressure pulse generator or DC fluid flow source. The control signal so generated will create an adverse pressure gradient in the boundary layer between the supply flow stream and the wall of output channel 16 which in turn causes the stream to separate and reattached on the opposite wall, namely, the wall of a second output channel 24. Referring now to FIG. 2, as the flow, shown in the FIG. by arrows, passes through the output channel 24, it impinges on the open mouth of the resonator tube 12, where cyclic oscillations are thereby generated. The resulting pressure waves 26 caused by the cyclic oscillations are transmitted to the closed end 27 of the resonator tube 12 where their energy is transformed into heat shown by the wavy lines 28 in FIG. 2. This heat or thermal energy may be used to ignite a primer, explosive train, or any other suitable pyrotechnic. In addition, the heat generated at the output of the relay could be used to generate an electrical potential across a thermocouple or other thermal-to-electrical transducer.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a particular application of the pyro fluidic relay according to the present invention is shown. In the FIG., a projectile 30, such for example as a missile or rocket, is shown as having a fluidic amplifier 10 mounted in the forward portion thereof. As ram fluid, such as air, enters the relay device, it is redirected upon command by control circuit 22 into the resonator tube 12 wherein thermal energy is generated. The heat so generated at the base of the resonator 12 may be used to fire a conventional primer 32 whereby an explosive within a warhead 34 is detonated.

It should nowbe apparent that the pyro fluidic relay device of the herein described invention achieves the provision of a thermal energy output at a given instant of time with great reliability. It should also be apparent that although the invention has been particularly described with reference to the detonation of an explosive that it is not so limited and may be used with any other system or device wherein a thermal energy is desired at a given time.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1 claim:

1. A fluidic relay device, the combination comprising:

a pure fluid amplifier, having a power nozzle receiving a supersonic fluid stream and means responsive to said pure fluid amplifier for generating a thermal output only in response to a control signal being applied to and changing the mode of operation of said fluid amplifier.

2. A fluidic relay device as in claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said fluid amplifier is a resonator tube.

3. A pyro fluidic relay device comprising:

pure fluid amplifier, having a power nozzle receiving a supersonic fluid stream, means having at least a first output channel and being initially in a first mode of operation, means communicating with said first output channel for generating thermal energy when said pure fluid amplifier means is changed to a second mode of operation, and

control means operatively communicated to said pure fluid amplifier means for causing said fluid amplifier means to change at a predetermined time from said first mode of operation to said second mode of operation,

4. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 3 wherein said means communicating with said first output channel is a resonator tube.

5. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 3 wherein said control means is a fluid control circuit which is capable of generating a pressure pulse.

6. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 3 wherein said pure fluid amplifier means further includes a second output channel, a first control input channel. a second control input channel, and a supply input channel for receiving a supply flow, and wherein said second output channel discharges said input supply flow to atmosphere when said fluid amplifier means is in said first mode of operation.

7. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 6 wherein said control means is communicated to a given one of said first and second control channel inputs.

8. A projectile having an open forward portion for receiving a ram fluid comprising:

a pure fluid amplifier mounted within the forward portion of 5 said projectile and having a supply input channel for receiving said ram fluid.

a timed fluid pressure control circuit connected to said fluid amplifier for generating a signal to change the mode of operation of said fluid amplifier after a predetermined time interval,

a resonator tube coupled to an output channel of said fluid amplifier for generating thermal energy when said mode of operation of said fluid amplifier is changed in response to said timed control signal, and

a primer responsive to the thermal energy generated by said resonator tube for detonating an explosive within said projectile. 

1. A fluidic relay device, the combination comprising: a pure fluid amplifier, having a power nozzle receiving a supersonic fluid stream and means responsive to said pure fluid amplifier for generating a thermal output only in response to a control signal being applied to and changing the mode of operation of said fluid amplifier.
 2. A fluidic relay device as in claim 1 wherein said means responsive to said fluid amplifier is a resonator tube.
 3. A pyro fluidic relay device comprising: pure fluid amplifier, having a power nozzle receiving a supersonic fluid stream, means having at least a first output channel and being initially in a first mode of operation, means communicating with said first output channel for generating thermal energy when said pure fluid amplifier means is changed to a second mode of operation, and control means operatively communicated to said pure fluid amplifier means for causing said fluid amplifier means to change at a predetermined time from said first mode of operation to said second mode of operation,
 4. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 3 wherein said means communicating with said first output channel is a resonator tube.
 5. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 3 wherein said control means is a fluid control circuit which is capable of generating a pressure pulse.
 6. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 3 wherein said pure fluid amplifier means further includes a second output channel, a first control input channel, a second control input channel, and a supply input channel for receiving a supply flow, and wherein said second output channel discharges said input supply flow to atmosphere when said fluid amplifier means is in said first mode of operation.
 7. A pyro fluidic relay device as in claim 6 wherein said control means is communicated to a given one of said first and second control channel inputs.
 8. A projectile having an open forward portion for receiving a ram fluid comprising: a pure fluid amplifier mounted within the forward portion of said projectile and having a supply input channel for receiving said ram fluid, a timed fluid pressure control circuit connected to said fluid amplifier for generating a signal to change the mode of operation of said fluid amplifier after a predetermined time interval, a resonator tube coupled to an output channel of said fluid amplifier for generating thermal energy when said mode of operation of said fluid amplifier is changed in response to said timed control signal, and a primer responsive to the thermal energy generated by said resonator tube for detonating an explosive within said projectile. 